Bosses have dealt with slumping ratings and the shock exit of executive producer Sean O'Connor recently, but the shocking disaster is hoped to bring excitement back to the soap.

And if that wasn't enough drama, Max Branning's sinister scheme will finally be exposed in the aftermath of the explosive event.

Speaking to The Sun , a source said: "It’s a bold stunt and has taken months of planning. It’ll trigger a load of other storylines off the back of it, but the explosion itself will be a major talking point.

"Viewers will be left wondering whether it was set off on purpose or by accident, and bosses are staying tight-lipped about who will die but at least one is looking like they will.

"Fans will be hoping it’s not one of their favourites who is being killed off."

Peggy Mitchell and Phil Mitchell

Drunken Phil succeeded in destroying the pub (Image: BBC)

But the good news will be that evil Max will finally get his comeuppance when his plot to take over Walford is exposed.

During their darkest hour, the residents of Albert Square will realise he's been up to so0me dodgy dealings over the last few months.

The gas explosion is likely to be as monumental as other devastating fires that have hit the BBC soap.

Alfie runs into the burning building to save Kat (Image: BBC)

Phil Mitchell famously set the Queen Vic on fire in 2010 during a drunken rampage, leaving landlady Peggy to shout "let it burn" as she watched her beloved boozer go up in flames.

The Walford hardman started another fire when he set the car lot on fire with Frank Butcher as part of an insurance scam, killing a homeless man who may or may not have been Jay's real dad.

And the BnB was burned to rubble when nasty Yusef took revenge on Zainab, with her son Tamwar being left with horrific burns and the villain dying.

Alfie Moon was also forced to risk his life by running into his home after trying to burn his home down and get the insurance money.